consumer wrote:The fact is: our bodies do not move in a perfect vertical line when we pump. We actually move in an arc. It's not ridiculous to think that modifying the angle of the base might make pumping less awkward.

You guys have any idea how bonkers people go over a sliding spreader bar or a new safety leash?

This is simple question with an even simpler solution. Why are people so quick to flame?

Peter Frank described it perfectly.

I agree it's a bit awkward and probably depends a bit on your body somewhat.

Try this:

To remove most of the "arc" when pumping adjust your stance...
Adopt a similar stance as if you're doing a dead lift.

Hinge at the waist, back straight or even better arched inwards ever so slightly
(stick yer ass out there and keep your shoulders out there lol)

Basically you want to do a "mini" deadlift motion ensuring your knees don't extend past your toes anytime during the motion. Arms are hangin straight down and pushing straight down on the pump. You might have to toe in your feet a bit at first to get your hands past your knees in the beginning but with practice you shouldn't have to.

Make the glutes and quads do all the work while maintaining back posture.

You'll see with a bit of practice (it's easy) you'll eliminate most of the "arc" to the stroke and almost go straight up and down.

It's easy on the back and engages only the big muscles of the legs if you do it right.

Take the pump out and try it in the living room.... good work out...haha!

Hinge at the waist and bend the knees as you pump keeping that back straight or arched inwards if you possible.

KiteboardingTampaBay wrote:His only pumps on the downstroke and he says he loves it.

Good point. My back doesn't like the compressions of the upstroke.

Has anyone pulled apart a cheapo standard pump and seen if it is easy to disable the upstroke pump action?

Yes... it is very easy to do. First, unscrew the top of the pump and pull out the shaft and piston. Then pull off the little round flat rubber disc, on the top of the piston.... and put it all back together... that is all you need to do.

If you could pump up a whole inflatable boat with one of these a kite should be no problem ... and these are more compact (flat).

They are very awkward to use and slow. You have to wait for the spring to open it to refill with air, then when you pump, you are pumping against the spring and the pressure. In bare feet or thin soled booties, you have to press on the sharp edge, which is painful. It also tends to move around as you pump. I think you need to use one that has two chambers where the lower stage half pumps into the higher stage half to get the pressure needed for a kite.

KiteboardingTampaBay wrote:His only pumps on the downstroke and he says he loves it.

Good point. My back doesn't like the compressions of the upstroke.

Has anyone pulled apart a cheapo standard pump and seen if it is easy to disable the upstroke pump action?

Yes... it is very easy to do. First, unscrew the top of the pump and pull out the shaft and piston. Then pull off the little round flat rubber disc, on the top of the piston.... and put it all back together... that is all you need to do.